Deadline: 28-Feb-24
The U.S. Embassy Gaborone Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
Purpose
- The U.S. Embassy Gaborone Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for programs that strengthen social, political and cultural ties between the U.S. and Botswana through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
- Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
- Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
- Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
- Professional and academic exchanges and programs.
Priority Program Areas
- Supporting Independent Media and Combating Disinformation
- Programs that strengthen independent media, including training on investigative journalism. Programs that teach media literacy for the public and show how to counter disinformation through methods to recognize disinformation or misinformation online and in news.
- Promoting Democratic Principles
- Programs that promote democratic principles, including promoting youth and women’s participation in the political process, inclusive societies, freedom of speech and the eradication of Gender Based Violence.
- Promoting the Use of Sustainable Clean Energy Resources.
- Programs that seek climate change action and provide training on developing climate change adaptation and mitigation skillsets, including those related to renewable energy. Programs that educate the Batswana public on the impact of climate change and the economic opportunities for Botswana through clean energy in order to improve local communities.
- Fostering Social Inclusion of Underserved Communities
- Programs that promote inclusivity for persons with disabilities, minority groups, including minority ethnic groups, the LGBTQI+ community and those located in remote areas.
- Supporting Economic Prosperity, Trade and Entrepreneurship
- Programs that promote and support entrepreneurship, innovation and/or bilateral trade between the U.S. and Botswana.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: $150,000 (subject to funds availability)
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5000 to a maximum of $25,000
- Length of performance period: 6 months to 18 months
- Number of awards anticipated: 5 awards (dependent on amounts)
- Anticipated program start date: Between March 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024
Participants and Audiences
- The award is open only to registered not-for-profit groups, associations, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and individuals. The groups must be well established, operating for at least one year, and have a history of accomplishments.
- They are unable to fund or sponsor government schools, prizes for school competitions, private or for-profit businesses, company start-up costs, direct employee compensation or one-time events.
- Recipients can demonstrate their commitment by either contributing to the project financially or providing labor or supplies to carry out the project. Cost-sharing is not required but highly encouraged.
- Proposals involving U.S. government program alumni will receive preference during the review process.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from the following:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
- Individuals
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
- Governmental institutions
- Not-for- profit organization outside Botswana should have an office in the country.
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
Ineligible
- The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
- Programs relating to partisan political activity;
- Charitable or development activities;
- Construction programs;
- Programs that support specific religious activities;
- Fund-raising campaigns;
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
- Scientific research;
- Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
- Programs that duplicate existing programs.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.